This '00s Idol Gained Weight, Came Out as Gay & Was Diagnosed with an Incurable Condition – Before vs. After Pics

The Hollywood star faced body-shaming after gaining weight and revealed how the experience affected his mental health, admitting he nearly took his own life because of it.

The veteran actor has endured life-changing experiences over the years. Not only did he take a stand, but he also redefined how he chooses roles on-screen. From gaining weight, coming out as gay, and being diagnosed with an incurable condition, here is how this celebrity's life has evolved since his Hollywood debut.

2002

Before rising to fame, the actor worked odd jobs. He became a temporary employee at several production companies before landing another temp job at a former employer's production office.

Soon after, he landed guest roles on television and appeared in the Hallmark series "Dinotopia" in 2002, playing David Scott.

2003

In 2003, the British American star appeared in "The Human Stain," followed by a role in "Underworld," voicing Dr. Adam Lockwood.

He also guest-starred in the series finale of "Joan of Arcadia," playing Ryan Hunter, although CBS later canceled the show.

2005

Two years later, he appeared in the pilot of "Ghost Whisperer," which led to his breakout role as Michael Scofield in the hit crime drama "Prison Break."

Starring alongside Dominic Purcell, Robert Knepper, and Amaury Nolasco, the public figure quickly became a fan favorite.

The series's success earned him a Golden Globe nomination, three Teen Choice Award nominations, and a Saturn Award nomination.

Around the same time, he appeared in two of Mariah Carey's music videos, playing her love interest. Director Brett Ratner, who also helmed the "Prison Break" pilot, suggested him for the videos — a career highlight for the actor.

2006

2007

By August 2007, the actor was spotted in Los Angeles with fellow actor Luke MacFarlane of "Brothers & Sisters."

Though insiders claimed they avoided being photographed together, the two were later seen strolling and smiling. Reports suggested the "Prison Break" star was private about his personal life, though romantically linked to MacFarlane.

2008

2009

2010

For years, the actor, Wentworth Miller, who made his screenwriting debut with the film "Stoker" in 2013, kept his sexual orientation private. That changed in 2013 when he declined an invitation to the St. Petersburg International Film Festival in Russia, citing the country's anti-LGBTQ legislation. In a letter, he publicly came out as gay, saying:

"As someone who has enjoyed visiting Russia in the past and can also claim a degree of Russian ancestry, it would make me happy to say yes. However, as a gay man, I must decline."

He condemned the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in Russia, adding, "The situation is in no way acceptable, and I cannot in good conscience participate in a celebratory occasion hosted by a country where people like myself are being systematically denied their basic right to live and love openly."

2014

2015

2016

The celebrity had to tackle yet another personal issue publicly a few years later. In March 2016, a since-deleted meme from The LAD Bible mocked the actor's weight gain.

In response, he opened up about struggling with suicidal thoughts during that period, revealing on his Facebook page, which is no longer active, that the images were from 2010:

"I was looking everywhere for relief/comfort/distraction. And I turned to food."

He admitted food became his greatest source of comfort, "There were stretches when the highlight of my week was a favorite meal and a new episode of TOP CHEF. Sometimes that was enough. Had to be. And I put on weight. Big [expletive] deal."

Seeing a photo of himself wearing a red t-shirt with a rare smile reminded him of his woes. But he still chose to persevere regardless of what he went through at the time. The beloved television actor shared that he semi-retired from acting during that low point, choosing to live quietly.

2017

2019

2020

By November 2020, Miller — who is set to appear in the TV series "Snatchback" — announced he would not return to the "Prison Break" reboot:

"I'm out. Of PB. Officially. Not bec [sic] of static on social media (although that has centered the issue). I just don't want to play straight characters. Their stories have been told (and told)."

2021

In July 2021, Miller revealed another deeply personal truth on his Instagram account, which is no longer active: he had been diagnosed with autism as an adult. "This fall marks one year since I received my informal autism diagnosis. Preceded by a self-diagnosis. Followed by a formal diagnosis," the star shared.

He described the process as "long" and "flawed," noting, "I'm a middle-aged man. Not a five-year-old. And (it's a 'both/and') I recognize access to a diagnosis is a privilege many do not enjoy."

For over two decades, Wentworth Miller's journey has been defined by personal and professional transformations. From facing body-shaming and mental health struggles to embracing his identity and advocating for representation, he has remained resilient.

His openness about autism and sexuality has inspired countless fans to live authentically. Today, his legacy extends beyond acting — he is a voice for acceptance and change in Hollywood.